CAFFE` LATTE`
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS
Mid-week bonus - 1 new song will be added every 2 hours throughout today
#514 BLACK OR WHITE Michael Jackson
Immediately after wrapping up his album 'Bad', Michael Jackson began work on its follow-up. Over 4 years, the performer recorded more than 50 songs. Producers came and went. By 1991, the 14 new tracks that would end up on 'Dangerous' were finally selected.
Lead-off single "Black or White" evolved from a track that was initially planned for 'Bad'. Jackson penned the hit himself. Bill Bottrell, who co-produced the track with the singer, came up with the rap. He also contributed percussion and guitar. Slash is a guest performer on guitar.
The single was massive globally; reaching #1 in the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Europe. "Black Or White" meant that Jackson had achieved at least 1 chart topping single for 3 consecutive decades.
This
is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I
cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks.
Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have
universal appeal.
They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal
choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a
better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
CAFFE` LATTE`
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS
#515 CAN'T LET GO Earth, Wind and Fire
Group leader Maurice White co-wrote "Can't Let Go" with Allee Willis and Bill Meyers. The song was the 5th and final single lifted off Earth Wind and Fire's album 'I Am'. The LP was unleashed in 1979. The horn and string arrangements were handled by Tom Tom 84. White produced the track.
This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
2 new songs are added each day (every 12 hours) with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday.
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS
#515 CAN'T LET GO Earth, Wind and Fire
Group leader Maurice White co-wrote "Can't Let Go" with Allee Willis and Bill Meyers. The song was the 5th and final single lifted off Earth Wind and Fire's album 'I Am'. The LP was unleashed in 1979. The horn and string arrangements were handled by Tom Tom 84. White produced the track.
This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
2 new songs are added each day (every 12 hours) with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday.
CAFFE` LATTE`
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS
#516 JIVE TALKIN' Bee Gees
By 1974, the Bee Gees were in a rut. They were releasing ballads and struggling to dent the charts. Manager Robert Stigwood introduced the Gibb brothers to Arif Mardin. The former's RSO label was distributed by Atlantic Records and the latter was 1 of that company's most respected producers. Mardin urged the trio to check out the music scene in Miami. The Bee Gees began recording their next album at Florida's Criterion Studios.
The Gibbs' daily drive to the recording studio required crossing some railway tracks. Barry Gibb's wife Linda pointed out the sound the car tyres made as they drove over the tracks. That inspired the intro for their next major hit, "Jive Talkin'".
All 3 brothers contributed to writing the song. Mardin produced the cut. The track was included on their 1975 LP 'Main Course'. "Jive..." led the group down a new musical direction. It was an upbeat song with elements of the burgeoning disco genre. It had strings atop a dance beat, borrowing from R&B and funk. Barry is starting to stretch out his falsetto, which would ultimately become a Bee Gees trademark.
"Jive..." reached #1 in America and Canada, after a series of flops. The single also made the Top 10 in Britain and New Zealand. The Bee Gees were back and their golden period had only just commenced.
This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
2 new songs are added each day (every 12 hours) with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday.
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS
#516 JIVE TALKIN' Bee Gees
By 1974, the Bee Gees were in a rut. They were releasing ballads and struggling to dent the charts. Manager Robert Stigwood introduced the Gibb brothers to Arif Mardin. The former's RSO label was distributed by Atlantic Records and the latter was 1 of that company's most respected producers. Mardin urged the trio to check out the music scene in Miami. The Bee Gees began recording their next album at Florida's Criterion Studios.
The Gibbs' daily drive to the recording studio required crossing some railway tracks. Barry Gibb's wife Linda pointed out the sound the car tyres made as they drove over the tracks. That inspired the intro for their next major hit, "Jive Talkin'".
All 3 brothers contributed to writing the song. Mardin produced the cut. The track was included on their 1975 LP 'Main Course'. "Jive..." led the group down a new musical direction. It was an upbeat song with elements of the burgeoning disco genre. It had strings atop a dance beat, borrowing from R&B and funk. Barry is starting to stretch out his falsetto, which would ultimately become a Bee Gees trademark.
"Jive..." reached #1 in America and Canada, after a series of flops. The single also made the Top 10 in Britain and New Zealand. The Bee Gees were back and their golden period had only just commenced.
This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
2 new songs are added each day (every 12 hours) with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday.
Monday, February 3, 2014
CAFFE` LATTE`
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS
#517 ALWAYS ON MY MIND Pet Shop Boys
The Pet Shop Boys came to cover "Always on my Mind" after they agreed to participate in "Love Me Tender"- a TV special to mark the 10th anniversary of Elvis Presley's passing. The rock legend had recorded the original in 1972, just a few days before Brenda Lee also cut her own version. Hers was out first and Presley's take ended up on the B-side for the single "Separate Ways". Both sides reflected Presley's situation at the time: his relationship with wife Priscilla Beaulieu had ended.
Willie Nelson scored a hit with a new remake of "Always..."in 1982. The British duo's cover version was included on their 'Introspective' album. Julian Mendelsohn produced their recording of the song written by Wayne Thompson, Johnny Christopher and Mark James.
Aiming to make it sound different to Presley's interpretation, the Pet Shop Boys made some changes to the music and gave the ballad a dance makeover. The single was a major international hit; reaching #1 in the UK, Europe and Canada. It also peaked in the Top 10 in America, Australia and Ireland.
This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
2 new songs are added each day (every 12 hours) with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday.
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS
#517 ALWAYS ON MY MIND Pet Shop Boys
The Pet Shop Boys came to cover "Always on my Mind" after they agreed to participate in "Love Me Tender"- a TV special to mark the 10th anniversary of Elvis Presley's passing. The rock legend had recorded the original in 1972, just a few days before Brenda Lee also cut her own version. Hers was out first and Presley's take ended up on the B-side for the single "Separate Ways". Both sides reflected Presley's situation at the time: his relationship with wife Priscilla Beaulieu had ended.
Willie Nelson scored a hit with a new remake of "Always..."in 1982. The British duo's cover version was included on their 'Introspective' album. Julian Mendelsohn produced their recording of the song written by Wayne Thompson, Johnny Christopher and Mark James.
Aiming to make it sound different to Presley's interpretation, the Pet Shop Boys made some changes to the music and gave the ballad a dance makeover. The single was a major international hit; reaching #1 in the UK, Europe and Canada. It also peaked in the Top 10 in America, Australia and Ireland.
This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
2 new songs are added each day (every 12 hours) with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday.
CAFFE` LATTE`
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS
#518 HE'S THE GREATEST DANCER Sister Sledge
Following Chic's success with their own singles, writer/producers Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers from that funk outfit were offered the opportunity to produce any act on the Atlantic Records roster by their label heads. This list included The Rolling Stones, Yes and Bette Midler. Edwards and Rodgers opted for a relatively unknown group. Sister Sledge consisted of 4 sisters.
The song "He's The Greatest Dancer" had been penned by the 2 men and was planned for their group Chic. Later, when a lead off single for the girl group's upcoming 'We Are Family' album was needed, the track was given to Sister Sledge. It climbed to #1 on the R&B chart in 1979 in America. It reached the Top 10 in Britain, the USA (Pop) and Canada. When I interviewed Rodgers in 2011, he told me that he considered that 'We Are Family' album "our single greatest body of work... every song to me, is amazing".
This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
2 new songs are added each day (every 12 hours) with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday.
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS
#518 HE'S THE GREATEST DANCER Sister Sledge
Following Chic's success with their own singles, writer/producers Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers from that funk outfit were offered the opportunity to produce any act on the Atlantic Records roster by their label heads. This list included The Rolling Stones, Yes and Bette Midler. Edwards and Rodgers opted for a relatively unknown group. Sister Sledge consisted of 4 sisters.
The song "He's The Greatest Dancer" had been penned by the 2 men and was planned for their group Chic. Later, when a lead off single for the girl group's upcoming 'We Are Family' album was needed, the track was given to Sister Sledge. It climbed to #1 on the R&B chart in 1979 in America. It reached the Top 10 in Britain, the USA (Pop) and Canada. When I interviewed Rodgers in 2011, he told me that he considered that 'We Are Family' album "our single greatest body of work... every song to me, is amazing".
This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
2 new songs are added each day (every 12 hours) with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday.
Sunday, February 2, 2014
CAFFE` LATTE`
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS
#519 IT'S NOT UNUSUAL Tom Jones
In 1963, a British film entitled 'Tom Jones' became a box office hit. It also collected the Best Picture Academy Award. The movie's success inspired Thomas Woodward's name change to Tom Jones. He has been known by that name since his first taste of success with "It's Not Unusual" in 1965.
The song had been penned by Gordon Mills and Les Reed and was originally intended for British singer Sandie Shaw. Jones recorded the demo and the song was pitched to Shaw's manager who was unimpressed. After Frankie Vaughan rejected it, Jones insisted he wanted to release it.
The upbeat treatment introduced Jones to the world. Peter Sullivan produced the track. The single reached #1 in Britain, 2 in Canada and 10 in America. The singer's career was finally launched. The strong-voiced Welshman has enjoyed a rare longevity, touring and recording still today in his mid- 70s.
This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
2 new songs are added each day (every 12 hours) with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday.
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS
#519 IT'S NOT UNUSUAL Tom Jones
In 1963, a British film entitled 'Tom Jones' became a box office hit. It also collected the Best Picture Academy Award. The movie's success inspired Thomas Woodward's name change to Tom Jones. He has been known by that name since his first taste of success with "It's Not Unusual" in 1965.
The song had been penned by Gordon Mills and Les Reed and was originally intended for British singer Sandie Shaw. Jones recorded the demo and the song was pitched to Shaw's manager who was unimpressed. After Frankie Vaughan rejected it, Jones insisted he wanted to release it.
The upbeat treatment introduced Jones to the world. Peter Sullivan produced the track. The single reached #1 in Britain, 2 in Canada and 10 in America. The singer's career was finally launched. The strong-voiced Welshman has enjoyed a rare longevity, touring and recording still today in his mid- 70s.
This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
2 new songs are added each day (every 12 hours) with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday.
CAFFE` LATTE`
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS
#520 LA LUNA Belinda Carlisle
The Go-Gos enjoyed a string of hits in the 1980s that included "Our Lips Are Sealed", "We Got The Beat" and "Head Over Heels". When the band split up in 1985, Belinda Carlisle launched a solo career that would prove to be a successful move.
Carlisle's first solo outing was with "Mad About You" in 1986 from debut LP 'Belinda'. 'Heaven On Earth' followed and fared even better. The singer had proven herself to be a consistent chart act. In 1989, she released 'Runaway Horses'. This LP featured more hit singles, including "Leave A Light On","Summer Rain" and "(We Want) The Same Thing".
"La Luna" was another highlight track. Written by Rick Nowels and Ellen Shipley, it features the former on spanish guitars and keyboards, while the latter sings background vocals. Maria Vidal, of "Body Rock" fame also sang backup on the track. Nowels handled its production. The song's title translates as "The Moon". The single charted in the UK, Australia and Europe.
The hits began to dry up for Carlisle around 1991, despite some interesting later releases. She continues recording and touring as a soloist to this day, as well as re-uniting with her former bandmates The Go-Gos from time to time.
This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
2 new songs are added each day (every 12 hours) with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday.
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS
#520 LA LUNA Belinda Carlisle
The Go-Gos enjoyed a string of hits in the 1980s that included "Our Lips Are Sealed", "We Got The Beat" and "Head Over Heels". When the band split up in 1985, Belinda Carlisle launched a solo career that would prove to be a successful move.
Carlisle's first solo outing was with "Mad About You" in 1986 from debut LP 'Belinda'. 'Heaven On Earth' followed and fared even better. The singer had proven herself to be a consistent chart act. In 1989, she released 'Runaway Horses'. This LP featured more hit singles, including "Leave A Light On","Summer Rain" and "(We Want) The Same Thing".
"La Luna" was another highlight track. Written by Rick Nowels and Ellen Shipley, it features the former on spanish guitars and keyboards, while the latter sings background vocals. Maria Vidal, of "Body Rock" fame also sang backup on the track. Nowels handled its production. The song's title translates as "The Moon". The single charted in the UK, Australia and Europe.
The hits began to dry up for Carlisle around 1991, despite some interesting later releases. She continues recording and touring as a soloist to this day, as well as re-uniting with her former bandmates The Go-Gos from time to time.
This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
2 new songs are added each day (every 12 hours) with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday.
Saturday, February 1, 2014
CAFFE` LATTE`
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS
#521 LA ISLA BONITA Madonna
Few people would know that the first draft of "La Isla Bonita" was offered to Michael Jackson to record. He turned it down. Leonard offered it to Madonna instead. She changed some lyrics, and a hit song was created.
Madonna went Latin for "La Isla Bonita" and it worked a charm. The song was featured on her 1986 album 'True Blue'. The track was written by the singer with Pat Leonard and Bruce Gaitsch. The former handled drum programming and keyboards while the latter played guitar on the track. Madonna co-produced "La Isla..." with Leonard. Seidah Garrett guests on background vocals.
The single was a massive hit, reaching the top in Britain, Europe and Canada. It also peaked in the Top 10 in New Zealand, Ireland, America and Australia. The song spent a week at #1 on the US Adult Contemporary chart.
This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
2 new songs are added each day (every 12 hours) with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday.
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS
#521 LA ISLA BONITA Madonna
Few people would know that the first draft of "La Isla Bonita" was offered to Michael Jackson to record. He turned it down. Leonard offered it to Madonna instead. She changed some lyrics, and a hit song was created.
Madonna went Latin for "La Isla Bonita" and it worked a charm. The song was featured on her 1986 album 'True Blue'. The track was written by the singer with Pat Leonard and Bruce Gaitsch. The former handled drum programming and keyboards while the latter played guitar on the track. Madonna co-produced "La Isla..." with Leonard. Seidah Garrett guests on background vocals.
The single was a massive hit, reaching the top in Britain, Europe and Canada. It also peaked in the Top 10 in New Zealand, Ireland, America and Australia. The song spent a week at #1 on the US Adult Contemporary chart.
This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
2 new songs are added each day (every 12 hours) with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday.
The Caffe` Latte` Top 10 Tracks this week:
1We Got Music DARIO G featuring SHIRLEY BASSEY {7th Heaven Mix} 1wk 2 4
2 Let it Go IDINA MENZEL 3 3
3 Happy PHARRELL 1 5
4 Addicted To You AVICII 6 2
5 Just Another Night ICONA POP 8 2
6 Timber PITBULL featuring KE$HA {Jump Smokers Radio Edit} 4 3
7 Something I Need ONE REPUBLIC 5 3
8 Thank You MKTO 10 2
9 Birth of an Empire SOPHIE ELLIS-BEXTOR NEW
10 So Be It LISA STANSFIELD NEW
CAFFE` LATTE`
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS
#522 HE'S A REBEL Donna Summer
Donna Summer scored a massive worldwide hit with the title track from her 'She Works Hard for the Money' album. Released in 1983, that album also contained the interesting song "He's A Rebel". The track has a punchy dance beat typical of the 1980s and diverse enough from the disco sound Summer had come to encapsulate so perfectly during the previous decade. Summer co-wrote the song with its producer Michael Omartian and Jay Graydon. The latter plays guitar on the track.
This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
2 new songs are added each day (every 12 hours) with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday.
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS
#522 HE'S A REBEL Donna Summer
Donna Summer scored a massive worldwide hit with the title track from her 'She Works Hard for the Money' album. Released in 1983, that album also contained the interesting song "He's A Rebel". The track has a punchy dance beat typical of the 1980s and diverse enough from the disco sound Summer had come to encapsulate so perfectly during the previous decade. Summer co-wrote the song with its producer Michael Omartian and Jay Graydon. The latter plays guitar on the track.
This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
2 new songs are added each day (every 12 hours) with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday.
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